not worth while
to say more about them. In S. Francesco and in S. Margherita of the
same city, there are still some pictures by the hand of Buonamico.
From Cortona he went once more to Assisi, where in the lower church
of S. Francesco he painted in fresco all the chapel of the Cardinal
Egidio Alvaro of Spain, and because he was successful he was
liberally recognised by the cardinal. Finally, after Buonamico had
done many pictures in every part of la Marca, he stayed at Perugia on
his way back to Florence, and there painted the chapel of the
Buontempi in fresco in the church of S. Domenico, representing scenes
from the life of St Catherine, virgin and martyr. In the old church
of S. Domenico he painted also in fresco on the wall the scene where
St Catherine, daughter of King Costa, disputes with, convinces, and
converts certain philosophers to the faith of Christ. As this scene
is the finest that Buonamico ever produced, it may be said with truth
that he has surpassed himself, and moved by this, as Franco Sacchetti
writes, the Perugians directed that he should paint on the piazza St
Ercolano, bishop and protector of that city. Accordingly when the
terms had been settled a screen of boards and wicker work was made in
the place where he was to paint, so that the master should not be
seen at work, and this done he set himself to the task. But before
ten days had passed everyone who passed asked when the picture would
be finished, as if such things were cast in moulds. This disgusted
Buonamico, who was angered by such importunity, and when the work was
finished he resolved to be quietly avenged on the people for their
impatience. An idea came to him, and before he uncovered his work he
showed it to the people, who were delighted. But when the Perugians
wanted to remove the screen, Buonamico said that they must let it
remain for two days longer, because he wished to retouch some things
_a secco_, and this was done. Buonamico then climbed up to where he
had made a great diadem of gold for the saint, done in relief with
the lime, as was customary in those days, and replaced it by a crown
or garland of fish. That done, permission to depart being granted to
him, he went away to Florence. When two days had passed, the
Perugians not seeing the painter about, as he was accustomed to be,
enquired what had become of him, and learned that he had returned to
Florence. Accordingly they at once went to uncover the work, and
found their S